Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Heating
Hostel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh
Haystack Hostel
A sociable, well-run hostel in the heart of Edinburgh, steps from Waverley Station and the Old Town.
- Central location opposite Waverley Station
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Clean rooms and communal areas
8.4
Great
1468 reviews
Booking.com 8.4 · 1468 reviews
About
Haystack Hostel
Haystack Hostel sits in a hidden alley in Edinburgh's city centre, above a pub. It's a 5-minute drive from Charlotte Square and just a 7-minute stroll from Edinburgh Old Town. Waverley Station is almost directly opposite, making arrivals and departures effortless.
The hostel offers shared dormitories and a private double room, plus a shared kitchen, leisure/TV room, luggage storage and locker room. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff, cleanliness and the free breakfast.
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Exceptional location — Right opposite Waverley Station and a 7-minute walk from Edinburgh Old Town, making it effortless to explore on foot.
- Friendly, helpful staff — Numerous reviews single out the staff for their warmth and efficiency, from check-in to local tips.
- Clean and comfortable rooms — Guests consistently describe the rooms as clean and beds as comfortable, with private curtains in dorms.
- Free breakfast — A self-serve breakfast with a variety of options, including fresh fruit, is included.
–
Worth weighing
3 to weigh- No lift – be ready for stairs — The hostel is above a pub and requires climbing tenement-style stairs, which may be challenging with heavy luggage or for those with mobility issues.
- Shared bathrooms — Most rooms, including the double room, have shared bathroom facilities.
- No pets allowed — Pets are not permitted on site.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
- Heating
Shared Bathroom Double Room
- 1 Double bed,1 King-size bed
- City view
- Heating
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- Wi-Fi
- Express check-in/ -out
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Key access
- No smoking on site
- No pets allowed
Food & Drink
- Shared kitchen
- Dining table
- Electric kettle
- Tea and coffee facilities
Leisure
- Leisure/ TV room
- Game room
- Board games
Safety & Security
- 24-hour security
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
Services
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Fax/Photocopying
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 8.4/10 from 1,468 reviews
Booking.com · 8.4 · 1468 reviews
8.4Verified guest“Tucked away in a city-centre alley above a pub with great food. The staff worked hard to make sure everything met guests' standards. My room had heating, tea and coffee facilities, and a dining table. The shared kitchen had everything I needed. I also liked the leisure area with TV and games, plus the luggage storage and lockers were handy.”
8.4Verified guest“Location was the standout for me.”
8.4Verified guest“Haystack Hostel exceeded my expectations. Clean rooms, friendly staff and free breakfast made my stay perfect. The central location and extras like towels and lockers were a nice surprise. Highly recommend for a comfortable and convenient stay in Edinburgh.”
8.4Verified guest“Location was good.”
8.4Verified guest“Climbing the tenement-style stairs to the hostel was amusing – the wall painting encouraged me on. I was warmly welcomed to this single-floor hostel. Friendly place with thoughtful staff, spotlessly clean washing facilities, a comfy bunk and even a free breakfast – all for twenty quid. I booked a second night and went home with a First Class upgrade thanks to the savings. Waverley Station is 100 yards away across Princes Street. What you don't get in a hotel is the unpretentious chatter of travellers 35 years younger, making coffee or sharing wine in the kitchen before bed. Great stuff.”
8.4Verified guest“Great location opposite the train station, near the city centre and castle. Two keys provided. Helpful staff explained the room and kitchen. Self-serve breakfast with a variety of options. Clean facilities and comfortable beds.”
04 — Location
Getting around Edinburgh
The property sits in Edinburgh.
Getting around: Waverley Station is almost directly opposite, and Edinburgh Old Town is a 7-minute walk away. Most attractions are within easy walking distance.
Nearby sights: Charlotte Square is about a 5-minute drive. The castle and city centre are also close by, as noted by guests.
5/3 West Register Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 15:00-23:00
- Check-out
- By 10:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 20 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:00. Check-out is at 10:00.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, guests report that a free self-serve breakfast is provided, with options including fresh fruit.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed at the hostel.
Is there parking available?
The hostel does not list parking facilities. The central location near Waverley Station suggests public transport is the easiest way to arrive.
Do rooms have private bathrooms?
Most rooms, including the double room, have shared bathroom facilities. The dormitories also share bathrooms.
The bottom line
Haystack Hostel earns its strong rating with an unbeatable location, friendly staff and clean, comfortable dorms. If you don't mind stairs and shared bathrooms, it's an excellent base for exploring Edinburgh.
8.4Based on guest reviews and our own analysis
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